Comparative Study Of Treatment Research Articles

Enhancing Concrete Performance with Treated Recycled Aggregates: A Comparative Study of Coating, Chemical, and Abrasion Treatments

Enhancing Concrete Performance with Treated Recycled Aggregates: A Comparative Study of Coating, Chemical, and Abrasion Treatments

Comparative study of greywater treatment using activated carbon and woodchip biochar for surfactant and organic matter removal

Greywater (GW) treatment is recognized as a more efficient alternative to blackwater treatment, particularly for reuse applications, due to its lower pathogen content and higher concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and surfactants. In this study, the adsorption performance of woodchip biochar (BC) and activated carbon (AC) was compared for the removal of COD, anionic surfactants (ASU), and non-ionic surfactants (NISU) from GW. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the removal efficiency of both organic matter and surfactants. AC demonstrated higher adsorption capacities for COD and ASU, with KL = 0.007 L/mg and Qmax = 0.95 mg/g for COD, and KL = 1.4 × 104 L/mg and Qmax = 0.08 mg/g for ASU. In contrast, BC showed a significantly higher affinity for NISU, with KL = 8.4 × 103 L/mg and Qmax = 0.01 mg/g. Breakthrough curves and pseudo-first-order (PFO) kinetics provided insights into adsorption dynamics, with AC showing delayed breakthrough and greater longevity, while BC offered rapid adsorption and cost-effectiveness. The treated GW achieved substantial reductions in contaminant levels, with final COD and surfactant concentrations reduced to approximately 10 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L, respectively, meeting Italian and Australian regulatory standards. The study highlights the potential of woodchip BC as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to AC, particularly for short-term adsorption applications, and offers valuable insights into the treatment of GW for reuse.

Assessing the effectiveness and safety of Patisiran and Vutrisiran in ATTRv amyloidosis with polyneuropathy: a systematic review.

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis, a multifaceted disorder affecting multiple systems, substantially diminishes patients' physical capabilities and overall quality of life. Patisiran and Vutrisiran, two Ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference therapies, target reducing both pathogenic and wild-type transthyretin (TTR) protein levels. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness and safety of these treatments in managing ATTRv. A comprehensive, thorough literature search across databases including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar yielded 858 studies. Following removing duplicate and irrelevant articles, 676 distinct studies underwent review. These studies, conducted on a global scale, encompassed a range of methodologies, including clinical trials and indirect treatment comparisons. Ten studies, spanning a total population of 756 patients, were selected for in-depth analysis. Patisiran and Vutrisiran consistently demonstrated significant improvements in primary and secondary endpoints related to neuropathy, quality of life, and cardiac function. Both medications were well-tolerated, with primarily mild to moderate adverse events. Indirect treatment comparison studies indicated Vutrisiran's superiority over Tafamidis in treating ATTRv amyloidosis. This systematic review recommends using Patisiran and Vutrisiran to treat ATTRv amyloidosis. The findings suggest that these RNA interference therapies improve neuropathy, quality of life, and cardiac symptoms. The results indicate sustained benefits over prolonged treatment, with satisfactory safety profiles. However, potential biases, conflicts of interest in the studies, and limited follow-up periods in some trials necessitate cautious interpretation. Future research should address these limitations and provide more robust evidence for the long-term efficacy and safety of Patisiran and Vutrisiran in ATTRv treatment.

Comparative study in treatment of acne scars fractional carbon dioxide laser versus micro needling fractional radio frequency – A retrospective study

Objectives: Efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser and microfractional radiofrequency in treatment of acne scars is well substantiated. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of carbon dioxide laser versus microfractional radiofrequency in treatment of acne scars in skin type 3,4. Material and Methods: Thirty-two patients of skin types 3–4 with grade 3 and 4 atrophic acne scars, of which 16 were treated with fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and 16 were treated with microfractional radiofrequency were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received either treatment 4 sessions at an interval of 4–6 weeks. Objective assessment was done with qualitative and quantitative Goodman and baron acne scar grading system by assessment of photographs at baseline and 3 months after last session. Results: All the data collected were entered in a Microsoft Excel worksheet and analyzed using R Software R-4.2.1. The study variables acne scar grades were described using frequency with percentage, acne scar scores were described using Mean with Standard deviation, and Median with interquartile range (IQR) (Q1-Q3). Since the data were ordinal, which is non-normal, hence, non-parametric tests are applied. To compare grades between the groups, Mann–Whitney U-test was applied. Conclusion: There was no difference in the last session (after the treatment) between the groups, the Mann– Whitney U-test was 109.5 with P-value of 0.484 >0.05. Therefore, there was no statistically significant difference between the microfractional radiofrequency and carbon dioxide laser group. There were 2 (12.5%) cases reported with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the CO2 laser group and zero cases in the microfractional radiofrequency group.

Comparative Study of the Surgical Treatment of Congenital Club Foot between McKay and Turco Procedure

Background: Congenital clubfoot is one of the common congenital disorders. Surgery plays an important role in the treatment of patients with this deformity. Comparative studies after surgical treatment might be beneficial. Hypothesis: Surgical treatment of congenital idiopathic club foot by McKay procedure gives better results than Turco procedure. Objectives: To compare the outcome of surgical treatment of congenital idiopathic club foot between McKay procedure and Turco procedure. Methods: This is a prospective interventional study carried out at Orthopaedic Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, during the period of January 2007 to December 2008. 25 patients with 36 feet were selected in which Group-I consisted of 13 patients with 19 feet treated with surgery by Mckay's procedure and Group- II consisted of 12 patients with 17 feet treated with surgery by Turco's procedure. All the ethical considerations were fulfilled. A questionnaire was designed and prepared by the researcher himself. Diagnosis was confirmed by detailed medical history, clinical examinations and relevant investigations. Then through Turco or cincinnati incision surgery was done in two groups. Statistical analysis were done by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science). Results: There were satisfactory results (Excellent + Good) in 17 feet (89.47%) and unsatisfactory results (fair + poor) were in 2 feet (10.53%) in Mckay's procedure. Where as satisfactory results (Excellent + Good) were in 9 feet (52.94%) and unsatisfactory results (fair + poor) were in 8 feet (47.06%) in Turco's procedure. Conclusion: Operative treatment of congenital clubfoot deformity is always an accepted method of treatment. The final outcome of the results shows that in Mckay's procedure satisfactory results was found in 89.47% which is more than Turco's procedure 52.94%.

A comparative study of worm-sludge treatment reed bed planted with Phragmites australis and Arundo donax in the Mediterranean region

Sludge treatment reed bed planted (STRB) with Phragmites australis (P.australis) and Arundo donax (A.donax) was assessed in the presence of Eisenia fetida under control condition during the dry season. Worm-planted units were fed with mixed sewage sludge (dry and volatile solids of 29.44 g DS.L−1 and 24.23 g VS.L−1). Sludge loading rates (SLR) of 50, 60, and 70 kg DS m−2 year−1 were examined to assess dewatering efficiency. Surface layers in units with P.australis and A.donax achieved DS of 80 and 81% at a loading rate of 50 kg DS m−2 year−1, while their subsurface DS were 41 and 25%, respectively. Units with A.donax experienced plant loss when subjected to SLR exceeding 60 kg DS m−2 year−1. More than 10 cm of residual sludge accumulated on the top of units after a 2-month final rest. Evapotranspiration was greater in the unit with P.australis (5.23 mm day−1) compared to the unit with A.donax (4.24 mm day−1) while both were fed with 70 kg DS m−2 year−1. Water loss contributions from residual sludge layer, drained water, and evapotranspiration were 3, 46, and 51%, respectively. Units with P.australis indicated 20% higher water loss compared to units with A.donax. Although the drained water quality improved over time, it did not meet standard limits. The residual sludge layer contained macro and micronutrients, and heavy metals with a significant elemental order of N > Ca > P > S > mg > K (N:P:K = 31:8:1), Fe > Na > B > Mn > Mo and Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Overall, STRB could be a sustainable alternative technology to conventional sewage sludge management techniques.Graphical

Avatrombopag (Doptelet)

We recommend that Doptelet not be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Evidence from 1 clinical trial showed that Doptelet improved patients’ platelet counts after 6 months of treatment; however, it is not known whether Doptelet can reduce bleeding occurrence, reduce the use of other therapies for ITP used concomitantly with Doptelet, improve symptoms, or improve health-related quality of life when compared to placebo. In addition, evidence from 1 indirect treatment comparison study showed that the comparative efficacy of Doptelet to other established treatments for chronic ITP remains unknown. Patients identified a need for treatments that can reduce the risk of bleeding and improve their quality of life. However, there was not enough evidence to show that Doptelet would meet this need.

ACVIM consensus statement on the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in dogs and cats.

Management of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in dogs and cats is evolving, but there are no evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians with treatment decisions. Likewise, the overall goals for treatment of ITP have not been established. Immunosuppressive doses of glucocorticoids are the first line treatment, but optimal treatment regimens beyond glucocorticoids remain uncertain. Additional options include secondary immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, modified cyclosporine, and mycophenolate mofetil, usually selected based on clinician preference. Vincristine, human IV immunoglobulin (hIVIg), and transfusion of platelet or red blood cell-containing products are often used in more severe cases. Splenectomy and thrombopoietin receptor agonists are usually reserved for refractory cases, but when and in which patient these modalities should be employed is under debate. To develop evidence-based guidelines for individualized treatment of ITP patients, we asked 20 Population Intervention Comparison Outcome (PICO) format questions. These were addressed by 17 evidence evaluators using a literature pool of 288 articles identified by a structured search strategy. Evidence evaluators, using panel-designed templates and data extraction tools, summarized evidence and created guideline recommendations. These were integrated by treatment domain chairs and then refined by iterative Delphi survey review to reach consensus on the final guidelines. In addition, 19 non-PICO questions covering scenarios in which evidence was lacking or of low quality were answered by expert opinion using iterative Delphi surveys with panelist integration and refinement. Commentary was solicited from multiple relevant professional organizations before finalizing the consensus. The rigorous consensus process identified few comparative treatment studies, highlighting many areas of ITP treatment requiring additional studies. This statement is a companion manuscript to the ACVIM Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis of Immune Thrombocytopenia in Dogs and Cats.

Single-Center Prospective Study of Cross-Clamp vs Balloon Occlusion in Robotic Mitral Surgery

BackgroundTransthoracic aortic cross-clamp and endoaortic balloon occlusion have both been shown to have comparable safety profiles for aortic occlusion. Because most surgeons use only one technique, we sought to compare the outcomes when a homogeneous group of surgeons changed their occlusion technique from aortic cross-clamp to balloon occlusion. MethodsWe changed our technique from aortic cross-clamp to balloon occlusion in November 2022. This allowed us to conduct a prospective treatment comparison study in the same group of surgeons. Propensity score matching was used to match cases (balloon occlusion) 1:3 to controls (aortic cross-clamp) based on age, sex, body mass index, concomitant maze procedure, and tricuspid valve repair. ResultsTotal of 411 patients underwent robotic mitral surgery from 2020 through 2023. Propensity score matching was used to match 56 balloon occlusion patients to 168 aortic cross-clamp patients. The 224 patients were a median age of 65 years (interquartile range, 55.6-70.0 years), and 119 (53%) were men. All valves were successfully repaired. Balloon occlusion had a shorter median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time compared with aortic cross-clamp (84.0 vs 94.5 minutes, P = .006). Median cross-clamp time (64.0 vs 64.0 minutes, P = .483) and total surgery time (5.9 vs 6.1 hours, P = .495) did not differ between groups. There were no in-hospital deaths. There were 5 surgeons who performed various combinations of console and bedside roles. CPB, cross-clamp, and surgery durations were not significantly affected by the different surgeon combinations. ConclusionsCompared with aortic cross-clamp, balloon occlusion has similar perioperative and early postoperative outcomes. Additionally, it likely introduces a 10-minute reduction in total CPB time.

Optimizing process parameters and a comparative study of post-weld heat treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.3%C-Cr-Mo-V steel

Optimizing process parameters and a comparative study of post-weld heat treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.3%C-Cr-Mo-V steel

Assessing the evolution of hypertension management in Gansu, China: A comparative study of prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control in 2012 and 2022.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the developments in the treatment and prevalence of hypertension by demographic subgroups in least developed area of China in 2012 and 2022. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 and 2022, we applied stratified multistage random sampling to investigate residents aged 18 years or older in Gansu, the least developed province in the northwest of China. Questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were given to all respondents. The standardized prevalence of hypertension in adults in Gansu increased from 26.1% in 2012 to 28.8% in 2022. Compared with 2012, the control rate remains decreased despite the significantly improved awareness and treatment rates of hypertension in 2022. Apart from the reversal of the control rate, the trend of higher prevalence in men and higher awareness and treatment rates in women has not changed. There was an obviously increase in the proportion of participants who had received health education and hypertension management services from medical workers. The treatment was still primarily monotherapy, and there was no significant improvement in the prescription of medication. The prevalence of hypertension has increased mildly in the least developed region of China over the past decade, and the challenge of hypertension management has shifted from increasing awareness and treatment rates to increasing control rates. The onset and control of hypertension are affected by education methods, BMI, local economic conditions and other factors, and targeted strategies can be adopted to strengthen the management of hypertension in economically underdeveloped areas of China.

Does Researcher Allegiance Bias Outcomes in Psychotherapy Research? A Quasi-Experimental Secondary Analysis.

Researchers who conduct studies comparing the efficacy of two treatments often find that their preferred treatment outperforms the comparison treatment. This finding has been labelled the allegiance association. Although this association is robust, it is unclear whether it reflects an allegiance bias on the part of the researchers or whether it is noncausal, with researchers being allied to the more effective treatments. This study applied a quasi-experimental method proposed by a previous study to 19 pairs of treatment comparison studies. Each member of a pair had used the same two psychotherapies to treat clients with the same disorder, but the researchers in each of the two studies had opposing allegiances. If the authors of one study in the pair concluded that their preferred treatment was superior and the authors of the other study concluded that their preferred treatment was superior or that the two treatments were equivalent, these patterns would suggest allegiance bias. In 10 of the 19 pairs, the patterns were consistent with the operation of an allegiance bias, indicating that although allegiance biases are not inevitable, they are ubiquitous. Practitioners and other psychotherapy research consumers should use caution when interpreting the findings from treatment comparison studies.

Editor's Choice – Comparison of Open Surgery and Endovascular Techniques for Juxtarenal and Complex Neck Aortic Aneurysms: The UK COMPlex AneurySm Study (UK-COMPASS) – Peri-operative and Midterm Outcomes

Treatment of juxtarenal and complex neck abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is now commonly by endovascular rather than open surgical repair (OSR). Published comparisons show poor validity and scientific precision. UK-COMPASS is a comparative cohort study of endovascular treatments vs. OSR for patients with an AAA unsuitable for standard on label endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). All procedures for AAA in England (November 2017 to October 2019) were identified, AAA anatomy assessed in a Corelab, peri-operative risk scores determined, and propensity scoring used to identify patients suitable for either endovascular treatment or OSR. Patients were stratified by aneurysm neck length (0 - 4 mm, 5 - 9 mm, or ≥ 10 mm) and operative risk; the highest quartile was considered high risk and the remainder standard risk. Death was the primary outcome measure. Endovascular treatments included fenestrated EVAR (FEVAR) and off label standard EVAR (± adjuncts). Among 8 994 patients, 2 757 had AAAs that were juxtarenal, short neck, or complex neck in morphology. Propensity score stratification and adjustment method comparisons included 1 916 patients. Widespread off label use of standard EVAR devices was noted (35.6% of patients). The adjusted peri-operative mortality rate was 2.9%, lower for EVAR (1.2%; p= .001) and FEVAR (2.2%; p= .001) than OSR (4.5%). In standard risk patients with a 0 - 4 mm neck, the mortality rate was 7.4% following OSR and 2.3% following FEVAR. Differences were smaller for patients with a neck length ≥ 5 mm: 2.1% OSR vs. 1.0% FEVAR. At 3.5 years of follow up, the overall mortality rate was 20.7% in the whole study population, higher following FEVAR (27.6%) and EVAR (25.2%) than after OSR (14.2%). However, in the 0 - 4 mm neck subgroup, overall survival remained equivalent. The aneurysm related mortality rate was equivalent between treatments, but re-intervention was more common after EVAR and FEVAR than OSR. FEVAR proves notably safer than OSR in the peri-operative period for juxtarenal aneurysms (0 - 4 mm neck length), with comparable midterm survival. For patients with short neck (5 - 9 mm) and complex neck (≥10mm) AAAs, overall survival was worse in endovascularly treated patients compared with OSR despite relative peri-operative safety. This warrants further research and a re-appraisal of the current clinical application of endovascular strategies, particularly in patients with poor general survival outlook owing to comorbidity and age.

Comparative Study of Eclipse and RayStation Multi-Criteria Optimization-Based Prostate Radiotherapy Treatment Planning Quality.

Multi-criteria optimization (MCO) function has been available on commercial radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning systems to improve plan quality; however, no study has compared Eclipse and RayStation MCO functions for prostate RT planning. The purpose of this study was to compare prostate RT MCO plan qualities in terms of discrepancies between Pareto optimal and final deliverable plans, and dosimetric impact of final deliverable plans. In total, 25 computed tomography datasets of prostate cancer patients were used for Eclipse (version 16.1) and RayStation (version 12A) MCO-based plannings with doses received by 98% of planning target volume having 76 Gy prescription (PTV76D98%) and 50% of rectum (rectum D50%) selected as trade-off criteria. Pareto optimal and final deliverable plan discrepancies were determined based on PTV76D98% and rectum D50% percentage differences. Their final deliverable plans were compared in terms of doses received by PTV76 and other structures including rectum, and PTV76 homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI), using a t-test. Both systems showed discrepancies between Pareto optimal and final deliverable plans (Eclipse: -0.89% (PTV76D98%) and -2.49% (Rectum D50%); RayStation: 3.56% (PTV76D98%) and -1.96% (Rectum D50%)). Statistically significantly different average values of PTV76D98%,HI and CI, and mean dose received by rectum (Eclipse: 76.07 Gy, 0.06, 1.05 and 39.36 Gy; RayStation: 70.43 Gy, 0.11, 0.87 and 51.65 Gy) are noted, respectively (p < 0.001). Eclipse MCO-based prostate RT plan quality appears better than that of RayStation.

Comparative study of advanced oxidation treatment of tannery effluent in Multi-orifice Oscillatory Baffled Column with sono-catalytic treatment using Titanium Dioxide

&lt;p&gt;Treatment of tannery effluent is a key issue that requires novel research. The presented work is an attempt to carry out advanced oxidation process in a Multi-orifice Oscillatory Baffled Column using ozone as oxidizer and compare the extent of treatment with sono-catalytic treatment with TiO2 as catalyst. Studies have been carried out to understand the effect of treatment time, concentration of effluent and oscillation frequency upon ozonation and the effect of power of ultrasound, time of treatment and catalyst loading for sono-catalytic treatment. For ozonation the COD, BOD and TDS reduction obtained are 88.8%, 84.01%, 90.73% respectively and for sono-TiO2 treatment the reduction of COD, BOD and TDS obtained are 91.2%, 91.5%, 94%. Optimization and analysis of variables is carried out to identify the effective factors for treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

Comparative study of fresh phosphogypsum treatment by sulfuric acid and neutralization with NaOH and CO2

AbstractThe newly formed, fresh phosphogypsum (PG) at the filter cake of the Dinh Vu Diamoni photphate DAP fertilizer factory was studied and treated with dilute sulfuric acid. The impurities were removed by sulfuric acid treatment and the carbonatation by NaOH and CO2 to create calcium carbonate. The results showed that fresh PG at filter cake contained the P2O5 total of 1.38%, and the phosphorus pentoxides effectively were removed at 69.32%. The acid‐treated PG was neutralized by NaOH and CO2 aeration, creating CaCO3 in situ nano‐microparticles identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and CaCO3 intensity by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In this study, the cement mortar test, which used treated PG from both sulfuric treatment and NaOH neutralization within CO2 aeration, has better compressive strength properties and hydration supported by SEM images, XRD results, and thermogravimetric analysis.

Comparative Study of Treatment of Distal end Radius Fracture by Non-Operative Method Versus Operative Method with Joshi’s External Stabilisation System

Background: Distal end radius fractures are the most common fracture. There are various treatment modalities,which include closed reduction and casting, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, open reduction, andinternal fixation with a variety of implants. A minimally invasive technique like JESS could be ideal technique.Method: 30 patients with distal end radial fractures were selected. Out of 30 patients, 15 were treated with closedreduction and casting, and the remaining 15 were treated with the JESS technique approach. Patients of bothtechniques were studied haematologically and radiologically before undergoing these comparative technologicalstudies, and the pros and cons of both techniques were noted. to justify the ideal method for a lower distal endfracture of the radius.Results: The fewest post-surgical complications were observed with JESS techniques as compared to theconservative group. Excellent outcomes were observed in the JESS technique treatment, with significant statisticalvalues in terms of good anatomical reduction and stabilisation; early mobilisation with regaining full ROM wasjustified.Conclusion: From the present study, it is concluded that closed reduction with JESS fixation under the C arm isa simple, minimally invasive, and cost-effective technique that provides better stability in the treatment of distalend radius fractures with not only a good clinical and radiological outcome but also minimal complications ascompared to conservative treatment.

A comparative study of homoeopathic treatment versus integrated approach of homoeopathy and yoga in the treatment of menstrual disorders related to PCOS in young females

A comparative study of homoeopathic treatment versus integrated approach of homoeopathy and yoga in the treatment of menstrual disorders related to PCOS in young females

Comparative study of different surface sterilization treatments and optimal month for establishment of aseptic cultures of raspberry cultivars

Comparative study of different surface sterilization treatments and optimal month for establishment of aseptic cultures of raspberry cultivars

Making Sense of Non-Randomized Comparative Treatment Studies in Times of Covid-19: A Case Study of Tocilizumab

Making Sense of Non-Randomized Comparative Treatment Studies in Times of Covid-19: A Case Study of Tocilizumab